Beekeeper – Full-Time Permanent Position
Join a Small, Family-Run Business & Be Part of a Hands-On Team.
Terrace Apiaries is a family-run beekeeping business based in Oxford, North Canterbury. We are a small team of two, managing approximately 1,500 hives across Canterbury, and we are looking for a motivated and reliable person to join us for the 2026/27 season and hopefully many seasons to come.
We are passionate about keeping healthy, thriving colonies and producing good quality honey. We take pride in doing things well and are looking for someone who shares that passion.
The Opportunity
We are offering a full-time, permanent position, with work commencing September 2026.
This is a hands-on role where you will have plenty of variety in your work over the season. You will work alongside us as part of a small team, while also having the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Throughout the season, your role may include:
• Making up new hives
• Hive Manipulation
• Requeening and queen management
• AFB inspections and hive health checks
• Varroa monitoring and treatments
• Feeding and colony management
• Moving hives, including night work
• Honey harvesting
• Honey extraction
• Building and maintaining hive equipment
• Pollination work
• Wintering hives down
• General apiary and hive maintenance
What We're Looking For
Previous commercial beekeeping experience is preferred, but it is not essential. We are happy to consider someone who is new to the industry but has the right attitude, a strong work ethic and a genuine willingness to learn.
The most important thing is finding someone who is reliable, hardworking and takes pride in their work.
You will ideally be:
• Passionate about bees and interested in developing your beekeeping skills
• Motivated, hardworking and dependable
• Able to use initiative, work without constant supervision and guidance
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team.
• Physically fit and capable of lifting up to 40 kg
• Comfortable working long hours during the busy periods of the season
• Happy working outdoors in all weather conditions
Driver Requirements
• Full New Zealand driver's licence
• Confident driving a manual vehicle
• Class 2 licence desirable
• Comfortable and experienced driving on and off road.
What We Offer
• Full-time, permanent employment for the right person
• Competitive pay based on experience
• A supportive, practical and friendly working environment
• A varied role across all aspects of commercial beekeeping
• The opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and develop your skills
• 40 hours minimum with the option for more hours in peak season.
Interested?
If you're passionate about beekeeping, enjoy practical outdoor work and are looking for a long-term opportunity in the industry, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send through your CV and a short introduction about yourself, including any beekeeping or relevant practical work experience.
Applications can be sent to: aimeeflintoft@gmail.com
Start date: September 2026
Position: Full-time, permanent
Location: Oxford, North Canterbury